Insomniac Games have once again delivered an astonishingly well-made adventure which undoubtedly offers plenty to Ratchet & Clank veterans while acting as a perfect stand-alone entry point for newbies. It doesn't really do anything revolutionary, but what it does do, it does with fantastic production values, attention to detail and a never-ending sense of fun. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a brilliant example of a classic formula refined to a point of near perfection.
Sometimes things get a bit too far fetched even for a Resi title, which has the unfortunate side effect of momentarily undermining the otherwise well-crafted horror atmosphere. However, Resident Evil Village remains an outstanding slice of survival horror that carries the series' torch in grand fashion.
While the PS5 has hinted at its power with the odd excellent remake and some impressive cross-gen titles, Returnal genuinely feels like the first truly fresh title designed for a new generation of hardware. Gorgeous graphics, intelligent controls and an astounding level of immersion combine to create an atmospheric thriller that wouldn't have been possible on older hardware. The game is tough, but every failed loop is a lesson learned, a push to do better and a pull to uncover more of the game's plot.
WTAE is a prime example of the latter. With its phoned-in stealth, mediocre combat, poor storytelling and rough presentation, calling it a missed opportunity is an understatement, especially on a new generation console. Even die-hard fans of the tabletop game will likely struggle to enjoy this take on the franchise. There's a blueprint here for an interesting concept, but sadly nothing more. Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood is out now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One and PC (via the Epic Games Store), priced £34.99 - £44.99
Sackboy: A Big Adventure isn't a particularly revolutionary platformer, replicating a structure seen many times in the likes of the latter Rayman titles and so on. But what it does, it does with panache and bags of charm that will appeal to kids and the parents who'll end up joining them for co-op. The woolly protagonist's latest outing is something that fans of the franchise - or just platformer lovers in general - will have a great time with.
If you can reduce the narrative to background noise and brute force your way through some of the shortcomings, there are worse ways to spend your time than with this middling adventure, although given the PS5 version's whopping £70 price point (just for the standard edition), you may want to wait for a sale. Godfall is out now for PlayStation 5 for £69.99 and on PC (via the Epic Game Store ) for £49.99
Easily the best looking launch title for the machine, it sets a new bar for all the remasters and remakes that are now part of the annual release schedules. The groundbreaking core of the game remains as engaging as ever, tweaked to feel more up-to-date with modern sensibilities. Whether you missed the original, played it to death or simply want to see where all the Souls fuss started, this is worth your time.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a more focused and concise outing than its predecessor. It lands somewhat in the Uncharted: Lost Legacy mould of a shorter experience that does away with filler, and meaningful moments interspersed with less gumpf. While there's not a huge amount of reinvention, Miles Morales is a fantastic superhero experience that does enough to feel like a worthy follow-up. Spider-Man: Miles Morales is available now on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (version tested) for £49.99
If you have even a passing fondness for these legendary Marvel characters, you'll likely have a blast with Avengers' campaign, but the relentless enticements for virtual wares might put you off hanging around afterwards.
If you’re in the market for some unabashedly thrilling zombie slaying, Zombie Army 4: Dead War has it in spades.
But, it is the very definition of generic, with the tired, Fast and Furious lite, underground street racer motif we've seen dozens of times before. Heat fails to stand out from similar franchises, and joins the ranks of the more forgettable Need for Speed entries. There's some measure of fun to be had here, but it's clear that the series needs a shot of nitrous in the tank if it wants to stay relevant.
For Gears of War fans, this is a package that is essential, and a game that certainly surpasses its predecessor.
For series veterans, there's not a huge improvement over the original, but if you like snazzier graphics this may well give you a reason to give SE V2 another blast, if only to tide you over for the many months until Sniper Elite 5 is released.
Whether you're a Dark Souls veteran or not, this is a game that will truly test your patience as well as the tensile strength of your joypad. It's like what I imagine running a marathon would be like. For all of the joyous, cathartic highs that come from making even the smallest amount of progress, Sekiro's difficulty means it's tough to recommend to everyone, narrowing its appeal to those with the tenacity to devote to it. But like Mr Miyagi's onerous training regime in The Karate Kid, Sekiro will put you through the ringer, if only because deep down it knows you can succeed if you put your mind to it.
The 2D skateboarding series comes to Switch and is worth checking out whether you're new to it or not
This latest dose of open world superhuman crime fighting action feels like a missed opportunity
Still, developer Sectordub have created a delightfully quirky experience with bags of personality. It might not last very long, but Pikuniku manages to deliver a lot of fun little moments before you see the end screen.
GRIS's aesthetic - the work of artist Conrad Roset - makes it one of the most visually compelling games not only of the year, but in recent memory. But the graphics are simply the start, as Nomada Studio have crafted a genuinely unique experience that will stay with you long after you see the credits. The gameplay might be a little too simple for some and the narrative is a tad esoteric in rare spots, but if titles like Journey, Limbo and Inside struck a chord with you, GRIS deserves to be next on your list.
Darksiders 3 is for the most part a fun and well made adventure that you'll want to see through to the end. But while the different approach to combat is indeed an attempt to push the series somewhere new, in the end it leaves the whole experience feeling slightly off-balance, coming across like a watered down Dark Souls in spots when it should have had enough personality in its own right.
One or two conceits to video gaming aside, 11-11: Memories Retold is a powerful narrative experience that explores turmoil beyond battlefield violence. With a unique look and haunting soundtrack, it is a respectful tribute to those whose lives were affected by the First World War.